Let's try learning from Brazil
Guest Columnist
By John 'Randy' Kuhl

Americans are beginning 2008 with a deep concern over the direction of our economy. Across the news, analysts are blaming the foreclosure crisis, the credit crunch, or the staggering unemployment rate for what many fear is an impending recession. But the key determinate in the economic livelihood of this nation weighs on the price of oil. As gasoline prices skyrocket, consumers face decreased cash flow and a rise in inflation due to soaring transportation costs. Last year, increases in the cost of energy and food raised inflation by 4.1 percent for 2007, the largest amount in 17 years.

The foreshadowing of this energy crisis arose in the 1970's when our nation had two options: 1. find a viable long-term solution to our foreign energy dependence and to achieve energy independence or 2. continue down the same path and increase energy use with no alternatives. Unfortunately, we chose the latter option and failed to begin making wholesale changes to our energy portfolio. As the U.S. was making this ill-conceived decision, Brazil began investing in a self-sustaining energy solution and now over 90% of Brazilian cars run off their homegrown ethanol supply. Brazil saw the same warning signs as Americans did, but they chose to adapt their energy strategy to focus on energy independence.

But hindsight is 20-20 and the "woulda, coulda, shoulda" strategy isn't an effective method for changing our current economic situation. We must learn from countries like Brazil, and dramatically increase research and development on alternative energy sources. The Energy Bill that I voted for, and subsequently passed in Congress in December, was a good step towards achieving energy independence. By raising automobile fuel efficiency standards, mandating additional production of ethanol and reducing home energy consumption, this bill begins a new path for America: a cleaner path, a greener path, and a cheaper path.

One potential solution to decreasing our dependence on foreign oil is to copy the Brazilian model and develop processes that turn our natural resources, like switch grass and other cellulosic feed stocks, into viable petroleum alternatives. Other options include investing in infrastructure to promote trains throughout New York, resorting to solar, wind, nuclear, and hydroelectric energy sources in various regions around the country, and to continue encouraging the outstanding research universities around New York and the country to focus on finding solutions to the challenge. Our economy cannot rebound until consumers are no longer burdened by the high cost of fuel, and can feel confident in spending and investing again.

We as a country must address the growing energy crisis and continue to implement both short and long term solutions to our dependence on foreign oil. Energy independence must become AMERICA'S MISSION, and it will take the collective effort of all Americans to make this mission a success. There is no challenge too great for this country and we must harness the innovative mind, spirit, and will of the people to make our country's future as bright and prosperous as its past. We must act now, and I implore all New Yorkers and all Americans to make 2008 the year that we stand united to make AMERICA'S MISSION a success.

The writer represents the 29th District in the U.S. Congress.